Which B-flat Fingering to Use on Saxophone?

[@bounderby99]

I find that it’s whatever one you’re more comfortable with. I personally use side most often.

[@joseviveros306]

Ya same I play tenor and I always use the side key

[@shitpostnation3069]

I mean yeah there are parts where 1 is more comfortable, and parts where the side key fingering is more comfortable

[@marike1100]

And almost no sax student will be comfortable going from B to Bb bis, so “use whatever you want” should never be taught.

[@mydogisfat3376]

Same i play tuba and i always use side Bb

[@vincentvega9863]

​@@marike1100Can think of a few scenarios where using the Bis key could cause issues, can't think of any where the side key causes an issue

[@MusicalKinetics]

Really interesting that there's a general rule of thumb. For the most part I just use the side Bb until I got more comfortable mixing them up with the bis Bb. Nice to know though

[@Frozenstone72]

Same. Started on clarinet so when I started on sax I only used side Bb. Lately I’ve been mixing in some bis Bbs though, works well to be versatile

[@mikesaxclar]

Definitely use both and more, depends on the passage.

[@masonthomassax]

I WANT THE BETTER SAX ALTO!!! The thing looks and sounds amazing!

[@saintsfan49]

Just played the first lick in the song "Four" in my jazz concert!

[@donl3248]

whatever the situation calls for. My first teacher never taught any of the alternate fingerings; bis Bb, side C, chromatic F# or even Fork high E and F. My second sax teacher laid down the law and said I'm learning and using all of them. Glad he did.

[@ryangjewell]

I was taught bis first and then side Bb as an alternate fingering haha

[@donl3248]

@@ryangjewellall the beginner books I’ve seen have side Bb listed as the first choice then bis key. When a student has enough experience, i have them practice the F and Bb scales alternating the Bb fingering so they are proficient on both. Then tell them, there’s no law about which to use. It’s personal preference and what the situation dictates.

[@derek_williams]

About 15 years ago I was told that professionals always prefer the side Bb and I've been using that until very recently when working with Total Energy Tuner (that you recommended) I found that the side Bb is a bit flat and the bis is in tune. Now hearing your recommendation I'm going back to bis as the default. Thanks.

[@stephendraper500]

I often practice scales swapping from side to bis Bb, same with alternating on the C fingerings. I also like making use of the split Bb (Lh 1st, Rh 2nd) for quick A# - F# moves.

[@henryliu4381]

I thought it was lh 1st rh2nd?

[@yehudalichtenstein574]

My rule of thumb is Bis for B flat, and side for A sharp, except for chromatic situations, which is side only.

[@jazzbariman]

I have counted 13 different ways to play Bb on the saxophone. Depending on the passage of music at hand, I have all of them ready to go and have used them all at oone point or another in the course of my time playing saxophone.

[@DJsilversax]

I’ve discovered (fairly recently) that if you practice using side Bb in flat keys you get much better at using it and get a smoother transition between Bb and C. For years I only used side Bb when I played chromatically, which meant I didn’t use it as often as the bis key and it always felt a bit unnatural and sloppy. I use the long F and F# fairly frequently as well.

[@marcelrickman2487]

what is long f and f#? just normal?

[@DJsilversax]

@@marcelrickman2487 you can play a Bb by pressing your B key and adding your F or F# key they both push the bis key down and give you a Bb. Using the F is a bit flat but useful for playing an F blues scale. They can both be used as Bb grace notes going to B as well.

[@notrecognizedyt739]

Yeah that’s what I do and it’s really easy to play quickly with jt

[@bryandickerson5365]

Nice one Jay! I really try to discourage students from doing that little slip-slide from bis to B natural. I do, however, remember when I discovered bis - it was a revelation. Arpeggios containing Bb (A#) instantly doubled in speed! ;^)

[@voltagestorm1787]

I find it's whatever you're more comfortable with. I personaly use bis most often.

[@vincentvega9863]

The way I was taught was Bis for one offs and Side if you're going back and forth, chromatic or alternating between the B flat & B natural. That said, I use the Side on the most part and the Long for the odd one off

[@patzicari3604]

Another super Video... I use mainly Bis... so much that I had the pearl on my B key (on my Mark VI) Tenor replaced with a Convex one (Actually lost original and tried, and kept the Convex)... finger just rolls SO easily... :)

[@kennethvalentine4907]

I was taught pedagogy very similar to flute. Side Bb most of the time; usually stepwise motion. Bis in arpeggios or skips.

[@1brokebrother684]

I try my best to avoid the side b-flat. If I had to guess I'm going to say I use the Bis key ninety-nine percent of the time.

[@epicwhaleburger]

I started with just the side key cause I didn't understand at the time using your fingertip to overlap keys, and I always thought it was so weird to use the bis key. Now I almost never use side bflat lol

[@heysteph]

I literally can’t think of any other Bb fingering in the wild except the B F natural option. I’m fairly sure it has something to do with my brain trying to cement the F major scale to memory as a kid and realizing the Bb fingering worked in if.

[@mobiusII]

I never use the side key Bb except in the case of a trill. I use Bis in keys with Bb. To go between B and Bb I use LH 1 and RH 1 in keys with with an F natural and LH 1 RH 2 in keys with an F#. I don't know, it makes sense to me. Actually after watching a live version of Coltrane playing A Love Supreme I've been experimenting with sliding between Bb and B natural with the Bis key. It's a work in progress...

[@cartervames3296]

I agree, bis Bb is the best for most situations.

[@shipsahoy1793]

All three are used by me, depending on which one makes the most sense at the time for ergonomics and sound .. and “rules” are always made to be broken, as you know. Jazz saxophonist don’t approach the instrument the same way as classical musicians, and it goes way beyond articulation and swing.. at least that’s the way it was in the “good old days” 🥳🤣

[@trevorwille8874]

I taught myself to use the BIS key in Jr High. My college teachers forbade me from using the BIS key except to trill B flat to C natural. Didn't work out like they said it would.

[@room34]

I almost exclusively use the bis key, but I think that's mainly because I learned clarinet before saxophone and I still love the novelty of the bis key, 30 years later!

[@ryansmock2717]

Saxophonist for over a decade here, I change the fingering based on the key mostly, or a specific application like a trill.

[@MediumCheeseCurd]

I generally use bis simply because I find it a lot easier on my mind the way it's all wired to keep things in one area for fingerings I guess. Learning bass clarinet fingerings has been a little difficult not being used to side haha

[@mrkevo70]

I started playing sax when I was in my late 40's(if that means anything) and going on 3 years. My teacher has been playing pro for over 50 years, and calls it the "one finger Bb"...wants me doing that as much as I can. Rolling my index finger between Bb and B. I have gotten pretty comfortable with it.

[@ricaard]

I also like using the F with the B for Bb in certain situations. Trilling, for example. Trilling Bb with B, and trilling Bb with F and E, and with D.

[@fwbenson57]

I use the F on occasion also. I just think it’s cool to have 3 options

[@ricaard]

@@fwbenson57 holding down the F works nicely for certain arpeggios, as well...just like holding down E & D for an arpeggio, and lifting the F.

[@TrashCanBoiBoi]

Foe Bb I just usually use finger one and finger one unless thes the VERY rare chance (this did happen btw) where I'm in a musical and have to play a BB but there's a page turn and i have to turn while playing... In that case, I use the Bb under the b key above the a key

[@iazarov]

both. on side Bb better legato for e.g. to high C, on lower Bb best legato to low D for example.

[@robertphilipbolton]

Really like the 'short' vids.

[@ekaufman4800]

I'm enthralled by your videos! I have been using the F or F# key to play Bb, especially when in the key of D or G. That little Bis key seems elusive. The transition from Ab to Bb seems difficult no matter which of the four different Bb keys I try. Anyone know a trick to this or do my old fingers just need to get smarter?

[@garciaalan186]

Hold the Ab and just hit the side Bb key, it'll sound a Bb. Alternatively hold the Ab with the bis key down and just lift the C key/left middle finger.

[@garciaalan186]

I'll add it's not as clear of a Bb as if you held proper fingering but it'll do in fast passages.

[@sayvonclark2525]

I do the tenor saxophone so Bb's are normal. I use the A fingering and the bottom side key.

[@thelegend1727]

All my life as a saxophone player I’ve always been told not to use bis b flat and to use side b flat instead and I thought I slowed my progress down because of my bis b flat being the one I use most. This is the first time I hear another sax player say otherwise

[@lawrievanniekerk9748]

Sometimes it's easy to use B and F for the Bb note. Especially if the next is F.

[@Unknown-bd4db]

I use buttons 1 and 4 for Bb

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Both.. depends the passage. Good video!

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

Funny, cause there are up to 6 fingerings for "middle" Bb/A#! But BiS is used the most, followed by side A# .

[@kinga3755]

Bis is good but in band one of our songs have a B flat and A trill and I use side fingering for that

[@DonnMa]

I definitely use side a lot more than I should

[@elliottblackhurst]

The side B flat key on my old alto was broken for about 3 months, and over the time I would only use the Bis fingering. To this day I have not once switched back, no matter the circumstance.

[@air_preep]

wow… I almost never use the bis key

[@ryangjewell]

I almost always use bis, and very rarely use side Bb 😂

[@TWO20]

I Almost exclusively use bis bb. It’s more comfortable for me

[@almanac520]

Same. But there are situations, like trill, where you would need the side key version

[@ichbinmartin]

Hi Jay, what do you think about 2 fingers Bb (B+F)? Sometimes also very useful.

[@unclemick-synths]

I use that quite a bit too. Whatever works for the phrase.

[@johnhowe1501]

That's the only one I've ever used, and it works fine for me

[@ichbinmartin]

In All of me, or Black Orpheus I use B+F#. Also good.

[@hankrawlins8686]

Seems like if you were playing an in line saxophone aka vintage saxes then the bis would make sense but with modern horns, it seem easier to use the other options.

[@jroz1692]

I always thought the side b flat was the only one until recently so I’ve been trying to get used to doing the other one more

[@manuelvalencia9407]

What about the rule about using the F# key? What's the rule about that?

[@maheshwarmaheshwar6144]

Omens cast replacer is video play saxophone 🎷🙏

[@joethompson79]

In elementary school I learned with index finger on right hand (F) key and now I just can't do it any other way.

[@the.mr.beacher]

Same. Just picking sax back up after 25 years and somehow wasn't ever even taught the side key way. It was Bis and LH1+RH1. I-ve got some rework to do

[@ericratliff217]

That’s a very bad and out of tune fingering that you should only use in very specific circumstances

[@FinAgainn]

It really depends

[@borgfrancescluca]

Sometimes I use Bis key Side key or B with F key

[@joshiadeluca4795]

Four

[@Avocadoeggroll]

we love four by miles davis

[@kponsax]

What about the Bb that uses the index finger of each hand?

[@rosylagoon3600]

I always always use side for some reason no matter the situation

[@bennyboi2377]

I only use the side

[@andrianarisonnjato1667]

thanks Jay! I will be enrolling in your class in your website. Any coupon please cause I'm first to comment?

[@bettersax]

Which course do you want? Send an email and I’ll give you the currently active coupon codes.

[@freddee3402]

... and what is Bis and Side (and BF)?? Thanks.

[@matthewperkins8923]

I always use bis unless chromatic but when i play chromatics i use f#

[@fok8885]

I use 1 1

[@Idontknowwhattowritehere256]

I don’t know about you, but I just like doing the first keys on both hands, slits always just worked batter for me

[@wolfwarren6376]

Question… What about 1+1 or 1+2?

[@nossolg]

I was never taught about bis when I was learning sax. NEVER. I was taught side key or top left and top right together.

[@williamgregory1848]

My saxophone teacher recommends the Bis B flat key since it’s much easier.

[@farmpunk_dan]

I am an oboist coming over to sax, and I always find it’s too awkward to go between bis Bb and B, as the key heights and key edge are never as ergonomically designed. How quickly can one really wiggle that first finger?? Side Bb seems to work perfectly all of the time, so unless it’s a particularly awkward or fast bit I’m trying to play, I won’t ever use bis. It seems like a waste of space to me, as an oboist. There’s only one real Bb on oboe (L-1+2, R-1) and it’s not even as smooth as the side Bb on a sax.

[@marcowenzel8889]

I come from the clarinet and I am with you. I always used side Bb on clarinet. Now I try to use Bb more often on Tenor sax and practice to use it. But you are right: I have much problems to get my finger right between the two keys and a second problem is that the two keys do seldom close on the same time, so I get a note in between. For me it is almost all the time easier to use side Bb. Maybe I need some more time to get used on Bb.

[@user-tz2to4qc1z]

I use the both pointer finger method lol

[@sablezubshruz9811]

Jay, Thank You. Side question - when you play legato B to C: B (left index) --- C (left middle) --- do you use Strap_Tension + Left_Thumb for saxophone body position control. Or Left Thumb control is enough for you? Thank you.

[@ramonfw]

why don't you use side C?

[@sablezubshruz9811]

@@ramonfw Thank you very much for suggestion, will definitely try it.

[@016_]

I was taught that side b is the normal way and more in tune lol and that you only use bis in chromatic passages.

[@jacquiobrien9948]

Literally never used Bis Bb in my life, and I've played sax for 40 years. Always use side Bb or long Bb if it is impractical. That's what comes on starting on clarinet! In fact I once had a discussion about this within the sax section on my band, and we worked out that if your sax teacher was a flautist, they taught long Bb and if your teacher was a clarinettist they taught side Bb. Bis Bb, not really a thing.

[@bettersax]

That’s true for so many people myself included. It was when I started taking lessons from an actual saxophonist that I learned the more correct fingerings.

[@jacquiobrien9948]

@@bettersax Well, you are fortunate enough to have been to music college. Most of us amateurs will probably be taught by a doubler. In the UK now in some schools one teacher is expected to teach flute, clarinet, sax, oboe and bassoon. You really can't be an expert in all of them.

[@stlmusic]

I majored in music and have been teaching for the last 30 years. All my sax instructors in college used side Bb. My first private sax teacher is the one that taught me to use side Bb and he is an incredible player that's still actively out there in the jazz seen. I was accidentally using 1&1. Either I taught myself that or my band teacher did. I did have one jazz instructor that used primarily bis Bb but even he said to use what works best. For most things I play side Bb but if the passage or song is mainly Bb instead of B natural, I will use the bis Bb, especially if it's a fast run. I use 1&1 Bb on Bb major arpeggio like in the song "In the Mood" (Bb D F.....) and will even use 1&2 (rh) Bb if I have an augmented arpeggio such as Bb, D, Gb. I teach my students to know all the alternate fingerings and when it's best to use each. I've never heard that bis Bb is considered the main way of playing Bb. I guess there is a little disagreement there.

[@lylecrawford2794]

Ha, and I started on flute, but use the bis key much more than the side key.

[@johnmacneill9005]

I never use bis Bb, starting out on clarinet would explain that!

[@victorrusin7602]

Anybody know what Bis stands for?

[@bettersax]

Bis is a word in French that sort of means alternate.

[@Chucktorres-t8q]

Did anyone remember the third Bb fingering

[@bluscorpion]

What is bis b flat?

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

What about long Bb? I use that a fair bit.

[@alanhowell3646]

Me too, all sorts of occasions

[@bryceleitzinger]

there is another

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

If I'm if f or or anything without a b or g# us bis

[@kelpyg2660]

Personally I use bis more, but I use side when it's more practical.

[@jonaslenz1997]

Well. I am playing Sax for over 10 years now and never ever used the side Bb. Always Bis or "Fork" fingering. lel ^^

[@dr.heinzdoofenshmirtz3507]

Same. Never found the side keys harder to use. Same reason my F# is uses the middle key down there vs F + that side one. It was always 1 and 1 for me, but I recently learned about the Bis. Still 1 and 1 unless I have a reason to think Bis is easier.

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Of the three Bb fingerings that are most common I use the A with the side key the most. I guess it’s where you are most comfortable. There are many times the 1 and 1 fingering is much much easier and flows better. The bis key for me is not very comfortable as I never use it. But last week I started incorporating it as I feel there is a place for each version.

[@maf9314]

Man your tone is so juicy

[@maf9314]

How can i get in touch with you?

[@jeremymartin2883]

Don't forget about intonation and timbre... each fingering sounds different. So sometimes, depending on the key or who you're playing with, you might need to rethink how you finger a note. Also what about long fingering... finger B and put one of your right fingers down, again different intonation and timbre for each of the three finger options. On some saxes forth finger right hand doesn't work! Need to be using your ears for what sounds best in each situation and not just the ease of facility. Live dangerously, use the irrational choice when playing pieces you know, or in boring concerts, to improve your flexibility!

[@user-nw2hx5ru4d]

Epic

[@gosneygosney]

How about b to c?

[@SaxStation]

I use the usual fingerings most of the time. Sometimes I'll use the side C if I go between B and C quickly/a few times.

[@OfficerGarlic]

I teach my students, “bis for leaps, or Bb in the key, side for stepwise. And 1+1 never. Scratch it out of the fingering chart, kid.”

[@johnleon2982]

Having started on flute I found the 1+1to feel pretty natural though I have been working on being more comfortable with bis and side. What are the reasons for not using 1+1? Thanks!

[@peterrawlings3896]

That's a big mistake - there are times when 1+1 makes the most sense, and is the most facile - or even 1+2, if you're in the key of F#. Never say never

[@mymo_in_Bb]

I've literally never used the bis key, ever

[@sbyrstall]

It's been a few decades since I last picked up my horn. I need to figure things out. 🤔

[@jzm.4365]

me playing clarinet: 😭😭🤧🤧

[@Cashimat]

Actually the best option is to overtone from low bflat, obviously 🙄 /s

[@mattythegamer144]

Surf surf waste wolf in chat help please

[@PatrykZimny-cv1eg]

B + F = B Flat, can’t use any other way 😭

[@michaelcaldwell7107]

Why limit yourself? I play bis more for arpeggios, 1 and 1 more for flat keys, 1 and 2 for sharp keys, and standard side key for anywhere I think it would be an advantage. For me it's all about finger efficiency, the less finger movement the better. In regards to tuning, for the most part, at least on my horns there's not a huge difference. Yes, some fingering sounds clearer and more open than others, but as long as the tuning is good, is the audience ever going to notice? I doubt it. It's all what you're used to, and you can adopt another way if you take the time to get used to it. As far as sliding from Bb to B, I really don't think it's a great technique. If players and manufacturers thought that was advantgeous, they would have designed a roller to go between the bis and B keys to make it easier. Going from Bb to B using a split fingering is much quicker in my mind.

[@AbouTheMagnanimus]

I definitely lean on side Bb, which is what I was first taught. It took me a few years to even lean on Bis. Currently it is about 50:50 depending on passages. But to think there are poor bastards out there who learned 1 and 1 like a clarinetist!